PETALING JAYA: According to PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, this year’s PAS annual general assembly (Muktamar) will be held in solidarity with the struggle to free Palestine. The statement was made two days before the three-day PAS Muktamar takes place at the IDCC Convention Centre in Shah Alam. Takiyuddin mentioned that all content during the 69th PAS annual Muktamar will revolve around the theme of “PAS solidarity with the struggle of Palestine”. This includes the president’s policy speech, the planned programs, and the launch of welfare and development assistance for Gaza by PAS Relief and fellow NGOs.
PAS has received confirmation of attendance from leaders of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, local political parties, local NGOs, foreign political party leadership, and international NGOs, including those from Palestine, Turkiye, the Middle East, West Asia, and this region. The secretary-general also extended an invitation to all Malaysians who are concerned about the struggle of Palestine to follow the happenings at the Muktamar. They can do so through online channels or as observers, as the Muktamar will be held transparently.
Takiyuddin points out that PAS has also retracted invitations to a few foreign missionaries from countries that have openly supported the actions of the Israeli-Zionist regime in their attacks against Gaza and the West Bank. He further emphasized that PAS’ standing with the Palestinian struggle is a manifestation of the party’s solidarity with the freedom of Palestine land.
About 5,000 attendees, including PAS delegates and observers, are expected to gather in Shah Alam for three days starting from October 20th. This year’s Muktamar is significant as it is the first since PAS joined the Perikatan Nasional coalition, which currently governs four states – Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis.
The Palestine-Israel war has escalated recently, with the most recent Israeli strike on October 17th resulting in the deaths of more than 500 Palestinians at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim condemned the attack and described it as “madness” and going overboard. He called for an immediate ceasefire to calm the situation down, as the victims of the ongoing conflict are innocent mothers, children, and patients.
This airstrike occurred on the eleventh day of escalated bombing, and there is growing international condemnation from non-governmental groups and world leaders. They argue that the Israeli bombing campaign on the besieged enclave, targeting healthcare facilities, homes, and houses of worship, violates international law and may potentially constitute war crimes.
